1:1–2:5
The first prologue talks about how the tribes did not follow Joshua's farewell instructions (Joshua 23).
Study notes
Judges 2
1:1–3:6 Section
The book of Judges continues the story of Israel recorded in the book of Joshua.
God had done many miracles when he gave Canaan to the Israelites. That is the main point of the book of Joshua.
Along with God’s amazing deeds, the Israelites were supposed to work hard to possess the land. They were also supposed to stay faithful to God. But they didn’t work as hard as they should have. And they weren’t faithful. That is the main point of the book of Judges.
The angel of the Lord told the Israelites the evil things they had done. The people were sad about the evil things they had done. But they didn’t stop doing them.
Judges describes the pattern of how the Israelites acted and what happened to them. This was the pattern of sin, suffering and salvation. First they sinned by turning away from God. This included worshipping false gods called Baal and Ashtoreth.
It also included marrying into Canaanite families and living as a community with them. This meant that the Israelites no longer lived as a kingdom of priests. They no longer lived as a holy nation.
Next the Israelites suffered. God brought judgement against them for breaking the Mount Sinai covenant. He allowed them to experience some of the covenant curses.
When this happened the Israelites repented and turned back to God. Then God brought salvation to his people (God’s people) through certain leaders. These leaders were the 12 judges. The judges freed the Israelites from the power of their enemies.
Once they were saved, the Israelites sinned again by turning away from God. The book of Judges records the stories of this pattern happening again and again.
2:1
Even when Israel was unfaithful, God's promise to Abraham stayed unconditional (Genesis 12:1–3; 17:1–22; compare 2 Timothy 2:13).
2:1–5
The sanctuary was established at Gilgal (Joshua 4:19û20; 5:10). Bokim is an unknown location where an angel of the Lord made an announcement. This announcement caused weeping and an attempt to reverse the judgment by offering a sacrifice.
2:2
The gods of other nations were not neutral. Destroying pagan altars was essential for following the covenant. Failing to do so would lead to social and religious compromise, and the people of the land would oppress Israel (see Deuteronomy 20:17–18).
2:6–3:6
The second prologue continues from the events of Joshua 23–24 (see study note on Judges 1:1–3:6). It introduces a third generation (Judges 2:10) who did not personally witness the Lord’s mighty acts.
2:8
Compare Judges 1:1; Joshua 24:29–31.
2:10–19
Joshua had died, and the new generation had not seen God's saving power. The Canaanites still lived in the land. This led to a cycle of rebellion and partial restoration. This section introduces that cycle, which the main part of the book shows.
2:11–13
Israel turned away from the Lord and started worshiping the gods of nearby nations, especially the Canaanite gods Baal and Asherah.
Baal means “lord”; Ashtoreth may be a Hebrew version of the Canaanite goddess “Astarte,” who had different forms. See also Judges 6:25–32 and Judges 6:25–32.
2:14–15
When Israel worshipped other gods, God withdrew his support. Their rebellion led to military defeat and great distress from their enemies.
2:15
God was not just absent; he played an active role in Israel's defeat. The Lord determined the battle's outcome (see 2 Chronicles 20:15).
2:16–19
The Lord appointed judges who led to some temporary recovery. People later described them as "judging" Israel (for example, Judges 3:10; 4:4; 10:2–3), but they were mainly famous for their military successes.
2:20–23
The remaining Canaanites and their religion tempted the Israelites, offering an alternative to following the Lord and his covenant. God knew and even planned this outcome (compare Judges 3:4), but he does not set his people up to sin (James 1:12–15). Temptations are everywhere, but the choice to obey God or give in to temptation is up to those who claim to know him. Israel had a duty to fully possess the land, but God, not humans, decides victory or failure.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources